I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512
I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512 2026 |
Regina Ricardo Case Study | 65-Year-Old
Female with Insomnia | Complete
Outpatient Evaluation with Laboratory &
Imaging Capabilities |
Full Patient Information, Differential
Diagnosis, Management Plan & Verified
Answers
INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among older adults and
represent a significant concern in primary care practice. Chronic
insomnia, defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep occurring
at least three nights per week for three months or longer, can
negatively impact cognitive function, mood stability, cardiovascular
health, and overall quality of life. In geriatric patients, insomnia is
frequently multifactorial and may be associated with medical
comorbidities, psychiatric conditions, medication effects, lifestyle
habits, or age-related changes in sleep architecture. Therefore, a
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,I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512
comprehensive and systematic assessment is essential to distinguish
primary insomnia from secondary causes.
This case analysis examines a 65-year-old female presenting with
chronic insomnia in the NURS 6512 I-Human simulation. The purpose of
this evaluation is to conduct a focused health history and physical
examination, develop appropriate differential diagnoses, determine the
most likely diagnosis based on clinical findings, and formulate an
evidence-based management plan. Special consideration will be given
to geriatric safety guidelines, non-pharmacologic first-line
interventions, and appropriate pharmacologic decision-making to
reduce potential risks in the older adult population.
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, I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512
Patient Scenario
Name: Regina Ricardo
Age: 65
Gender: Female
Chief Complaint: “I can’t stay asleep at night.”
History of Present Illness (HPI)
Regina Ricardo is a 65-year-old female who presents with a 4-month
history of difficulty maintaining sleep. She reports falling asleep within
20–30 minutes but waking up 3–4 times nightly and remaining awake
for up to an hour. She averages 4–5 hours of sleep per night and feels
unrefreshed in the morning.
She reports:
Increased fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Mild irritability
Increased stress due to caring for her husband with early dementia
P a g e 3 | 22
I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512 2026 |
Regina Ricardo Case Study | 65-Year-Old
Female with Insomnia | Complete
Outpatient Evaluation with Laboratory &
Imaging Capabilities |
Full Patient Information, Differential
Diagnosis, Management Plan & Verified
Answers
INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among older adults and
represent a significant concern in primary care practice. Chronic
insomnia, defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep occurring
at least three nights per week for three months or longer, can
negatively impact cognitive function, mood stability, cardiovascular
health, and overall quality of life. In geriatric patients, insomnia is
frequently multifactorial and may be associated with medical
comorbidities, psychiatric conditions, medication effects, lifestyle
habits, or age-related changes in sleep architecture. Therefore, a
P a g e 1 | 22
,I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512
comprehensive and systematic assessment is essential to distinguish
primary insomnia from secondary causes.
This case analysis examines a 65-year-old female presenting with
chronic insomnia in the NURS 6512 I-Human simulation. The purpose of
this evaluation is to conduct a focused health history and physical
examination, develop appropriate differential diagnoses, determine the
most likely diagnosis based on clinical findings, and formulate an
evidence-based management plan. Special consideration will be given
to geriatric safety guidelines, non-pharmacologic first-line
interventions, and appropriate pharmacologic decision-making to
reduce potential risks in the older adult population.
P a g e 2 | 22
, I-HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 6512
Patient Scenario
Name: Regina Ricardo
Age: 65
Gender: Female
Chief Complaint: “I can’t stay asleep at night.”
History of Present Illness (HPI)
Regina Ricardo is a 65-year-old female who presents with a 4-month
history of difficulty maintaining sleep. She reports falling asleep within
20–30 minutes but waking up 3–4 times nightly and remaining awake
for up to an hour. She averages 4–5 hours of sleep per night and feels
unrefreshed in the morning.
She reports:
Increased fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Mild irritability
Increased stress due to caring for her husband with early dementia
P a g e 3 | 22
